Sponsor yourself
Are you dreaming of working in the UK but don’t have a sponsor? What if I told you that you could be your sponsor? Self-sponsorship is an emerging option for skilled workers, and it might just be the key to unlocking your future in the UK.
In this blog, we’ll break down self-sponsorship, how it works, and how you can use it to secure your skilled worker visa. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to take control of your immigration journey without relying on an employer to back your application.
1. What is Self-Sponsorship? Breaking Down the Basics
Self-sponsorship is a process where you, as an individual, create a business entity in the UK and sponsor yourself for a Skilled Worker visa. This process, while not common, allows those with the right skills and entrepreneurial spirit to establish their business and work legally in the UK without needing an external employer to sponsor them.
In simple terms, you’re both the business owner and the employee. You establish a legitimate UK business, hire yourself as a skilled worker, and meet the Home Office’s visa requirements.
Practical Tip: To qualify, your business must be genuine, and your job role must meet the criteria for a Skilled Worker visa. Research UK business laws and the skilled worker visa requirements thoroughly before starting.
2. Who is Eligible for Self-Sponsorship?
Before diving into the self-sponsorship process, it’s important to understand if you’re eligible. The UK government’s Skilled Worker visa requires that:
- Your role must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- You must earn at least the minimum salary requirement (usually £37,600 per year, depending on your occupation – it could also be less in limited situations).
- You need to prove your knowledge of English.
Self-sponsorship works best for individuals with in-demand skills who want to take charge of their careers, such as tech professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, or anyone in a qualifying skilled occupation.
Practical Tip: Before starting the process, make sure your role qualifies under the UK’s list of eligible occupations and meets the salary thresholds.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Business for Self-Sponsorship
Now that you understand the concept and eligibility let’s get into the specifics of setting up a business to sponsor yourself:
a) Register Your Business
First, you need to establish a legitimate company in the UK. This means registering with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. You’ll also need to get a business bank account and prove your business is genuine.
b) Apply for a Sponsorship Licence
Once your business is registered, the next step is applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence through the Home Office. This licence allows your company to sponsor skilled workers—like yourself. To get the licence, you need to demonstrate that your business can meet UK regulations and that the job you’re sponsoring yourself for is legitimate and necessary for the business.
c) Assign Yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you have the sponsorship licence, you can assign yourself a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required for your visa application. This certificate confirms the details of your role and salary.
d) Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
With your CoS, you can now apply for your Skilled Worker visa. The application will ask for your sponsorship details, proof of your skills, and other personal information like a valid passport and financial documents.
Practical Tip: The sponsor licence application process can take several weeks, so apply early to avoid delays. Consider hiring an immigration lawyer to help ensure your application is flawless.
4. Challenges You Might Face and How to Overcome Them
Self-sponsorship isn’t without its challenges. Setting up and running a business while managing your immigration process can be demanding. Some common hurdles include:
- Meeting the salary threshold: Your company must be able to pay you the salary required for a Skilled Worker visa.
- Proof of a genuine business: The Home Office will scrutinize whether your business is legitimate and not just a vehicle to secure a visa.
One way to overcome these challenges is to develop a clear business plan and ensure your business generates sufficient revenue. Preparing for a possible compliance visit from the Home Office can also help.
Practical Tip: Keep thorough records of your business activities, including contracts, financial statements, and employee records, to prove your business’s legitimacy during inspections.
5. Is Self-Sponsorship Right for You? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Self-sponsorship can be a powerful tool for skilled workers, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s break down the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Independence: You have complete control over your career path and do not rely on external employers for visa sponsorship.
- Business Ownership: You can grow your company in the UK, benefiting from its strong economy and global reputation.
- Visa Flexibility: Self-sponsorship allows you to live and work in the UK under your business structure.
Cons:
- Cost: Setting up a business and applying for a sponsor licence can be expensive.
- Risk: If your business doesn’t succeed, your visa and ability to stay in the UK could be in jeopardy.
Practical Tip: Consider the financial and personal implications of starting a business before committing to self-sponsorship.
6. How ECA Lawyers Can Help You Navigate Self-Sponsorship
The self-sponsorship process is detailed and daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with UK immigration and business laws. That’s where expert legal guidance comes in. ECA Lawyers (Leeds) specializes in UK immigration law. They can help you understand the nuances of setting up a business, applying for a sponsor licence, and meeting the Skilled Worker visa requirements.
Whether you need help drafting documents, submitting your application, or dealing with unexpected challenges, ECA Lawyers can provide personalized support. If you’re considering self-sponsorship but feel overwhelmed, contact them at 01134579835 for a consultation.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Future with Self-Sponsorship
Self-sponsorship offers skilled workers a unique opportunity to live and work in the UK while running their business. While the process can be complex, it’s a powerful way to take control of your immigration journey and career.
Following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional advice when needed, you can unlock your future and make the UK your home. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact ECA Lawyers (Leeds) at 01134579835 for expert assistance.
